French justice minister says will appeal 'lenient' sentences of some gang members who kidnapped, tortured and killed young French Jew in 2006

Associated Press |Published: 13.07.09 , 14:23

France's justice minister says she will appeal the sentences
of some gang members who kidnapped, tortured and killed a young French Jew in 2006. She says some sentences are too lenient.

Justice Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie said Monday she instructed the Paris prosecutor to appeal the sentences against members of the self-styled "gang of barbarians."

The Paris prosecutor's office says it will appeal sentences that were lighter than requested. Sentences for the 27 members of the gang ranged from life in prison to 6 months behind bars to acquittal in the case of two people.

The gang's leader, Youssouf Fofana, was sentenced Friday to the maximum penalty under French law: Life in prison with 22 years before parole can be considered.